Robotic multi-product case-packing system
US7891158B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 22, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B59/001
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank. Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual product conveyer is maintained. A preferred construction employs a 4-axis robotic arm to select KDF cases and shuttle conveyers to transfer product from the conveyers to the case-packer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.